Talk:Electromagnetism

Name

Would anyone object to calling this power "Electromagnetism"? This covers both throwing lightning and levitation (repelling himself via the Earth's electromagnetic field). It's also a bit easier to say. --Ted C 09:42, 8 May 2007 (EDT)

• I don't like the name "Electrical manipulation". I thought "Electrokinesis " was better. Any idea why it was changed? --Norman 09:44, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
  • I personally don't like "electrokinesis" either; it's not even commonly used in the comic book industry. "Electrical manipulation" is just a huge mouthful, though. --Ted C 09:52, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
    • I guess you're right. It should be called "Electromagnetic Manipulation" or something like that. Electricity and magnetism are two faces of the same coin. --Densus 10:07, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
      • That's part of what I wanted to get at with "Electromagnetism", but I was hoping to keep it to one word. --Ted C 10:08, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
        • A lot of powers here have 2 words. Why this should be any different? --Densus 10:22, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
          • Because "Electromagnetic manipulation" is at least as much of a mouthful as "Electrical manipulation". I'd like something that rolls of the tongue better, is all. --Ted C 10:29, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
            • Then, just like you've suggested, use just "Electromagnetism". --Densus 10:45, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
              • But "Electromagnetism" doesn't describe a power, just a property of rocks. Heroe!(talk) (contribs) ^{Random Page!} 10:47, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                • Why can't it serve as a description? To me, it indicates the ability to generate and/or control electromagnetic forces. --Ted C 11:53, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                • "Electromagnetic induction"?? --Densus 10:55, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                  • I like electrokinesis best, cause that's what it is clearly supposed to be. It's not altering the flow of electricity already in the environment. Jets of electricity are clearly emitted only from his hands. Those jets can also be used to propel him upwards in a kind of flight, just like with Brenan of MutantX. That said, if electrokinesis isn't wanted, I'd go for induced electromagnetism. It is a form of electric manipulation, so that's fine too.--MiamiVolts (talk) 12:20, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                    • What you just said is exactly why it isn't "electrokinesis". Electrokinesis would be the ability to move or control electricity. It says nothing about the ability to generate it.--Hardvice (talk) 15:06, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                      • I disagree cause he's not an electricity man. It would be electricity generation if it was supposed to encompass his whole body. But that only happens after he's been disabled by Niki. Also, note that for Sylar's freezing power we are using cryokinesis, but the Sylar/Peter fight in FYG implies that Sylar can make ice jets/beams with this power (no external water required).--MiamiVolts (talk) 15:52, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                        • "Cryokinesis" is an established (if slightly misleading) term. "Electrokinesis" isn't, and literally just means "electricity movement". The point is that he creates electricity; he doesn't merely control it. Think Pyro from the X-Men comics: he could control fire, but needed a flamethrower to produce it. Generation and control can be two separate powers, and a name that only speaks to control is misleading.--Hardvice (talk) 16:29, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                    • Ted, you're right, "electromagnetism" is the best I've heard yet. It includes not only the dude's ability to manipulate electricity but to propel himself through the air. There's nothing wrong with having one word as a power (have you seen our list of powers?), especially one that is a good description: "The scary guy has the power of electromagnetism." — RyanGibsonStewart (talk) 13:56, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
                      • Electromagnetism is fine, though the reason I suggested induced/enhanced prefix is cause we all have that ability, though to a very small degree. ie. the electricity bolts in a plasma ball follow the static electricity in your hand; rub a balloon on your hair and it might stick to the wall; get close to an old tv and you might cause static noise in the reception, etc.--MiamiVolts (talk) 15:52, 8 May 2007 (EDT)
• I'm probably alone here, but I still don't like this name. To me, it doesn't really describe a power, just a natural force. If he can create electricity, maybe something like "electrical generation"? --Heroe!(talk) (contribs) 15:04, 27 May 2007 (EDT)
  • Well, I'm with you there Heroe. I wanted to put induced or enhanced in front of the term, but the decision was not to.--MiamiVolts (talk) 15:11, 27 May 2007 (EDT)
    • Electromagnetic generation? --Hero!^(talk)_(contribs) 15:33, 4 June 2007 (EDT)
  • Well, I did see one somewhere else -- not sure if it was wikipedia or some other site -- that I find quite acceptable: "Bioelectricity". --Ted C 15:39, 4 June 2007 (EDT)
    • Oh, I like that. This is what I got from Wikipedia: "Bioelectromagnetism (sometimes equated with bioelectricity) refers to the electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic fields produced by living cells, tissues or organisms." That sounds pretty precise, imo. --Hero!^(talk)_(contribs) 15:41, 4 June 2007 (EDT)